Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• The health care overhaul's effects on one Twin Cities small business
  Small businesses are a major driver of the U.S. economy, and MPR asked a national health care economist to analyze the impact of the proposed health care overhaul on a Twin Cities business.6:20 a.m.
• Twin Cities airport preparing for snow and ice
  The Twin Cities International Airport is already busy with people trying to head out ahead of a looming winter storm.6:50 a.m.
• Sen. Franken to vote for health bill despite compromises
  On the day before Christmas, the U.S. Senate is expected to vote and pass an historic health care reform bill.7:20 a.m.
• Hope fades for a hospital in a county without one
  Cass is one of only seven counties in Minnesota that doesn't have a hospital. A task force worked for years to get one built on a site near Walker, Minn., but the effort has lost a key supporter.7:25 a.m.
• A review of big cultural events in 2009
  From buildings going up, to sales falling down, 2009 has been a busy year in the arts.8:22 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Corruption Ignored, Deplored In Afghanistan
  The Obama administration is calling on Afghanistan's government to tackle widespread corruption, but some say the international community shares in the blame. Bribery and extortion have become a way of life in the country.
• McMurtry's 'Literary Life': Not Simple, But Practical
  Larry McMurtry, the author of Lonesome Dove, The Last Picture Show and Terms of Endearment, has written a new memoir about the struggles and successes of his long writing career, called Literary Life.
• Verdict For Chinese Dissident Expected Friday
  China put one of its best-known dissidents on trial Wednesday for his role in creating a political manifesto. Liu Xiaobo pleaded not guilty to the charges of "incitement to subvert state power." The court said Liu had committed "serious crimes." If convicted, Liu faces up to 15 years in jail. A verdict is expected on Christmas Day.
• 'American Idol' And The Making Of A Star
  Launched in 2002, American Idol wasn't the first TV show to make a pop star, and it hasn't been the last. But the show has changed the way the public interacts with the machinery of the music industry. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson looks at the show and describes his own brush with Idol glory.
• 31 Rue Cambon: Coco Chanel's Fabulous Paris Flat
  Chanel kept a lavishly decorated apartment above her famous boutique. The grand yet intimate space is filled with crystal chandeliers, gleaming mirrors and personal gifts from her many famous artist friends. The only thing missing is a bedroom — but no matter. Every night, Mademoiselle Chanel slept at the Ritz.
• Ford Moves Closer To Selling Volvo Unit
  Ford Motor Co. announced Wednesday that it expects a final deal to sell its Volvo division to be completed early next year. China's Geely Group wants to buy Volvo so it can upgrade its own car line. The deal still needs financing and government approvals, but Ford said the two companies have settled major terms of the deal.
• Report: November New Home Sales Are Higher
  Sales of existing homes rose last month to a annual rate of more than 6.5 million homes, according to the National Association of Realtors. That's the highest level in more than three years. The reasons for the rise are low prices and an extended homebuyer tax credit.
• Silk Scarves Combat Sex Trade
  A retired priest in Nashville, Tenn., is using an online store to help keep Cambodian women out of the sex trade. Socially-minded entrepreneurs have used the Internet to help artisans from remote regions earn a living selling their wares around the world. One project that supports silk weavers is called Mekong Blue.
• Tinsel Sales Glitter This Holiday
  The staple of Christmas decor is enjoying brisk sales. The Wall Street Journal reports the Philadelphia company that dominates the tinsel market says sales are up 40 percent over last year. Tinsel was once made of shredded silver — now it's made of plastic
• On Health Bill, Reid Proves The Ultimate Deal Maker
  Advocates are hailing Harry Reid for rounding up 60 votes to pass the Senate's massive health care overhaul bill. But on the way to 60, the majority leader made many compromises, which Republicans are slamming as "sweetheart deals."

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